Staying at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

Rancho Valencia is an institution in luxury resorts around the world. Tucked away in Rancho Santa Fe in San Diego, the resort features a unique opportunity to seclude yourself in luxury and tranquility as you soak up the California sunshine!

I was lucky enough the celebrate my 27th year on the planet at Rancho Valencia and indulged in poolside sips and some extra deep sleep in a gorgeous villa.

Some resorts hold a world-class distinctions for their spa or accommodation, but Rancho Valencia has more than a few to list!

• Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa was recently included in Conde Nast Traveler’s Gold List and the 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards as the #1 Best Resort in California, #25 in the top 100 resorts in the world and also named #9 in the top 25 resorts in the U.S.
• Rancho Valencia was also just named #1 best hotel in the U.S., #1 best hotel in California and #1 Relais & Châteaux hotel in North America by U.S. News & World Report (2014)

Needless to say, if you’re looking for the best resort in California and an unforgettable stay in So Cal, look no further than Rancho Valencia!

The Resort

Rancho Valencia is a true sanctuary tucked away on 45 acres of lush gardens and olive groves.

The Mediterranean-inspired, all-suite property recently completed a $30 million renovation including remodeled guest casitas, a brand new restaurant and new bar, and completely remodeled meeting space, as well as major enhancements to The Spa and fitness center.

There resort features 49 luxurious casitas with private patios, a world-class spa, fitness center, two farm-to-table restaurants – Veladora and The Pony Room, and an award-winning tennis program.

Before checking into my room, my friends and I joined in a special yoga program hosted by none other than Lululemon. After stretching out on our yoga mats for an hour, we were treated to small bites and fresh squeezed juice!

The perfect start to a birthday weekend? I think so!

Be sure to check out the Event Calendar to time your stay with a Rancho Valencia event featuring everything from live music to wine nights!

Suites & Villas

When you escape to Rancho Valencia, you feel transported into Mediterranean ambiance and a peaceful residential experience. Amid courtyards, fountains and lush landscapes are the hotel’s 49 hacienda-style suites.

Each spacious hotel suite boasts rustic custom furnishings, romantic lighting and a private garden patio overlooking the olive groves and surrounding canyons of the San Diego area.

Rancho Valencia treated me to a birthday stay fit for a princess! When I first opened the door to the Valencia Suite, my mouth fell open. The room opened up to 1,300 square feet of absolute bliss!

About the Valencia Suite

• Master bedroom with King bed
• Separate living/dining area with vaulted ceilings, pull-out sleeper sofa, fireplace, microwave, and wet bar with dining table
• Spacious bathroom with walk-in closet, separate deep soaking tub and shower, heated Toto toilet seat and double vanity
• Expansive wraparound patio in a private garden setting, with sweeping grove views, outdoor fireplace and whirlpool spa
• Bang & Olufsen stereos

The Spa

Tucked away amidst desert gardens lies The Spa at Rancho Valencia. Specializing in the revitalizing benefits of herbs, flowers, oils and minerals, The Spa offers services to soothe, relax and rejuvenate.

The Spa is the ultimate destination for wellness and relaxation featuring a Yoga Pavilion, Pilates studio, fitness center and adults-only pool area.

At the pool, the staff will clean your sunglasses for you as you sip an ice-cold cocktail!

Dining

Locally grown ingredients means the food tastes that much better! Rancho Valencia’s farm-to-table philosophy brings Coastal Ranch cuisine to all of their restaurants.

The Rancho Valencia restaurant team cultivates olive oil, herbs and honey right on the property. The resorts’ two new restaurants feature the best ingredients and freshest flavors possible.

Veladora brings together stunning valley views with Mediterranean cuisine in a captivating, candlelit modern hacienda setting, while The Pony Room serves up craft tequilas and cocktails alongside rustic American cuisine for lunch and dinner.

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa is the ultimate destination for luxury and relaxation in Southern California. Whether you dine at one of the new restaurants, get a treatment at The Spa or book a stay in one of the resort’s incredible casitas, it will be an experience you won’t forget!

Special thanks to Rancho Valencia for hosting me as their guest and treating me to an incredible birthday weekend. As always, the content & opinions expressed here are entirely my own.